Mr Maharey's failure to answer the specific question of whether the State Services Commissioner has cautioned him about commenting on the performance of chief executives confirms what every employment lawyer in New Zealand has known for weeks, National State Services spokesman Simon Upton said.

"Mr Maharey's antics as a new Minister have opened the Commissioner to expensive legal action from Christine Rankin should her tenure in the job ever be in question.

"Mr Maharey has ensured either that Ms Rankin will serenely serve out the full term of her contract or she will be able to claim a very large sum in compensation.

"No Minister can be made to answer a question he or she is determined to avoid. But there can be few more compelling examples of a Minister's failure to answer providing incontrovertible evidence of what's up," Mr Upton said.

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Inquiries: Rt Hon Simon Upton 04 4719 704

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